Letter carriers seek community participation

The 25th annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will take place in May 13 and 25 in Westwood and Norwood, and local volunteers are hoping everyone on their postal routes who’s able to will participate.

“This is the largest one-day food drive in the country,” said Jack Curran, vice president of Local 742 of the National Association of Letter Carriers and Food Drive Coordinator. “Last year in Westwood and Norwood, our members collected over 11,332 pounds of food – about 5.5 tons – to help the hundreds of families here who are struggling with hunger. And this year, we’re hoping to do even better.”

People wishing to donate are asked to leave one or more bags of food, marked for the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, by their mailbox on the appointed Saturday. The food will then be picked up as carriers go about their regular mail deliveries and taken to a central location for sorting. The drive will take place rain or shine, but in case of bad weather, donors are asked to put their food in plastic bags.

All types of non-perishable food, including peanut butter and jelly, cereal, canned vegetables and tomatoes, cake and brownie mix, and canned pasta are welcome. Right now, canned fruit, spam, beef stew, solid white tuna, chunky soups and chowders, and baked beans are especially needed. The only requirement is that all cans and boxes must be new and in good condition. Anything outdated or opened has to be thrown away for health reasons.

Norwood is one of the 10,000 cities and towns across America that are taking part in the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive. Since the drives began, the efforts of letter carriers represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers – with the help of other postal employees, numerous volunteers and sponsoring organizations – have resulted in the delivery of 1.5 billion pounds of donated food to regional food banks and local food pantries, including almost 80 million pounds in 2016.

“We’re proud to be part of this powerful effort to help our neighbors in need,” said Curran. “Right now, one out of every six Americans is not sure where their next meal is coming from. There are seniors and veterans right here in Westwood and Norwood who have to choose between paying their rent and utilities and buying food. There are children who may get only one or two meals a day this summer after school lets out. We see the need every day on our routes, and we feel this is a great way to lend a hand.”

“The Letter Carriers’ Drive is probably the single most important day of the year for us,” said Claudia Mackey, executive director of the Norwood Pantry, which also serves Westwood residents. “We depend on it to get through the lean summer months – when donations always dip because people are busy or away on vacation — and into the fall.”

“The people of Westwood and Norwood have always responded to the Letter Carriers’ Drive with a huge outpouring of generosity,” said Laurie McNeil, assistant director. “And we thank each and every one of you — carriers and donors alike — for caring and sharing.”